How could we take a big trip on a little budget? We got creative, kept it simple, and made a plan we could stick to. Read on to find out tips for taking big trips when your income is small.
Oasis Holidays India's Travel Tips for Taking a BIG Trip on a Little Budget:
1) Plan ahead, then set a budget and save for it.
Do you want to take a big trip next summer? Start saving now. Dream about the trip you want, then get real about how much it will actually cost. If you are driving factor in gas and an oil change. How much will you spend on lodging and attractions? Write it all down and do the math.
2) Save money on food whenever possible.
Make your own breakfasts. Pack lunches for outings. If you drink adult beverages, buy them at the grocery store and enjoy them on the deck of your beach rental for 1/10th price of the bar down the road. Buy a case of soft drinks from the grocery store to enjoy instead of buying them at a gas station on the road. Stay in places where you can cook. Budget for some meals out, but save a ton by eating at your rental whenever possible. You can read about our beach week meal plan for some ideas here.
3) Choose your accommodations wisely.
We stayed with friends during most of our travels, and then rented homes for the rest. Renting a place with a kitchen in a beautiful location will be much more economical than a hotel stay every time. You can cook at home and entertain the kids in a larger space. We stayed with friends because one of the main purposes of our trip was to see people we miss from our East coast days, but it also saved us a ton.
4) Save money on attractions and souvenirs.
Keep the main thing the main thing, for you and your kids. You are getting to go on a fabulous trip, so your mementos will be photos and free stuff, rather than gift shop trinkets. We should collect shells at the beach and rocks from our other stops to remember each place. And will print some out for the kids’ rooms and make a family photo book for all of us. Find all the fun free things to do in your location and do them first. If kids want to visit expensive attractions not on your list, they should pay with it with their own money. Give them jobs to do in advance of the trip so they have their own spending money.
Traveling together builds memories and gives your family so much quality time. If it is something you value, take time to plan for it and make it happen.
Read more of our travel tips here.
